How Plymouth marked Armistice Day this year

Commemorations were different this year because of coronavirus restrictions

Armistice Day 2020
Author: Chris BakerPublished 11th Nov 2020

People across the nation have paid silent tribute to those who lost their lives in conflict to mark this Armistice Day.

Scaled back socially-distanced commemorations have been taking place across the UK.

In Plymouth, it was a busy day for the Lord Mayor, Cllr Chris Mavin who handed over a wreath as part of the Poppies to Paddington event.

Plymouth's wreath was one of many from cities and tows across the country, to be placed at the war memorial at Paddington Station in London.

Plymouth MP and veterans minister Johnny Mercer was on board a GWR train from Plymouth to London with the wreath. He posted this video on Twitter:

A special Remembrance service was held on Drake's Island at 10.45am. It is understood to be the first ever Remembrance service to be held on the island.

The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor were joined by Royal Navy dignitaries.

Plymouth is one of four locations across the country, chosen to take part in a unique act of remembrance this evening (11 November).

A searchlight will be beamed into the sky above the Royal Navy War Memorial at 7pm, to pay tribute to the fallen.

It's being organised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The light will be visible for miles around, and people are being asked to watch from the safety of home.